PATTERNS OF RELATEDNESS, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY, AND PERCEIVED COMPETENCE IN MALTREATED CHILDREN

An attachment theory framework is applied toward understanding the eme rgence of depressive symptomatology and lower perceived competence in maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Hypotheses that maltreated chil dren with nonoptimal patterns of relatedness evidence elevated depress ive symptomatology and lower competence, whereas nonmaltreated childre n with optimal or adequate patterns of relatedness exhibit the least d epressive symptomatology and higher competence, were confirmed. Additi onally, differentiations between maltreated children with and without optimal or adequate patterns of relatedness emerged, suggesting that r elatedness may mitigate against the adverse effects of maltreatment. M oreover, sexually abused children with confused patterns of relatednes s evidenced clinically significant depressive symptomatology. Results are discussed with regard to mechanisms that contribute to adaptation or maladaptation in children with negative caregiving histories.